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Documents Detail Midwest City Woman's Slaying

A slain Midwest City woman was stabbed with an axe and multiple knives and struck with several objects, court documents revealed on Wednesday.

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Phillip Michael Potts, 23, was arrested on Feb. 15 on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of his aunt Violet Hemphill, 64.

Hemphill?s body was discovered about 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 after a relative became concerned about her and went to her house in the 1000 block of Holly Lane to check on her, police said.

The relative smelled a strong odor of natural gas on Hemphill?s porch and called 911.

When police and firefighters arrived, they found Hemphill?s body as well as Potts and his girlfriend, both nude and unresponsive, in a bedroom.

Hemphill, who had multiple sharp-force injuries to her head and chest, according to the medical examiner, was in another bedroom.

The court documents released on Wednesday indicate that police believe Hemphill's injuries were consistent with blunt-force trauma and stabbing. Numerous weapons were located that officers believe were used in her slaying, police said.

Hemphill also had a bloody pillow on top of her face, court documents indicated.

Police say after Hemphill?s death, Potts and his girlfriend made a pact to commit suicide by drug overdose and natural gas inhalation.

Each left notes and took prescription drugs. A handwritten suicide note was found in the bedroom with Potts, according to police. Police said Hemphill?s driver?s license was found inside Potts? wallet.

Investigators said Potts had numerous minor cuts and scratches to his feet.

Investigators said the controls on the gas stove had been deliberately turned to the 'on' position, but there was no flame, so the house filled with natural gas.

Also, police said several electric outlets were modified in an attempt to ignite the gas and cause an explosion. Firefighters disconnected the gas and electric power sources, making the home safe to enter.

Potts is Hemphill?s nephew. He and his girlfriend had been staying with her for a few days before the killing occurred.

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